What happened
On June 3, 2020, a FedEx Express MD-11 cargo aircraft, registration FDX 5033, was operating a flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai. During the landing phase on Runway 14, the aircraft encountered heavy rain and a tailwind component. While the approach was stabilized, the flight crew performed an extended flare maneuver, resulting in the aircraft touching down approximately 2,608 feet beyond the runway threshold.
As the aircraft decelerated, the crew applied reverse thrust, which was briefly reduced before being redeployed to maximum. During this process, the left engine experienced a momentary stall with visible flames near the exhaust. Despite efforts to decelerate, the aircraft was unable to complete the left turn at taxiway E1 and exited the prescribed runway dimensions, eventually coming to a stop in the Runway End Safety Area (RESA). There were no injuries to the crew and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
AAIB India conducted a detailed examination of the flight's descent and landing profile using CCTV footage, radar plots, and flight data. The investigation utilized high-definition CCTV to establish a more precise touchdown point than the initial manufacturer simulations provided.
Investigators analyzed the runway surface friction, which tests conducted after the incident showed were within regulatory limits. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's deceleration devices, finding no mechanical defects. However, the investigators noted a lack of sufficient FDR data to confirm the specific brake and thrust lever inputs used by the crew during the critical landing roll.
Findings
- The runway surface was wet with flowing water due to continuous rainfall.
- The aircraft experienced a delayed touchdown significantly past the threshold.
- The remaining runway margin was extremely narrow; calculations indicated a margin of only 27 feet under specific maximum braking scenarios.
- Weather conditions included a tailwind and a wet runway surface.
- The transition of reverse thrust from idle back to maximum contributed to the increased landing distance.